Freshwater Ecosystems and Threats Manager (Kaiwhakahaere Wai Māori)

• Strategic leadership role shaping freshwater conservation across Aotearoa
• Lead and grow a high-performing national team
• Opportunity to influence major wetland restoration and freshwater outcomes
• Work in genuine partnership with Māori on taonga freshwater ecosystems

Our vision: Nature is thriving in Aotearoa | Te Oranga o te Ao Tūroa

The Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai (DOC) serves to protect and restore nature across Aotearoa. When nature thrives, we all thrive.

Ko tā Te Papa Atawhai he tiaki, he whakarauora anō hoki i te taiao puta noa i Aotearoa. He oranga taiao, he oranga tangata.

Ko te wai te ora – water is life.

Freshwater sits at the heart of Aotearoa. Our rivers, lakes and wetlands sustain native species, support healthy communities, and hold deep cultural significance for Māori as taonga.

He angitūtanga | About the role

This is a senior people leadership role with real influence. As Freshwater Ecosystems and Threats Manager you will lead our dedicated science and technical advisors located across Aotearoa, guiding national programmes and initiatives to protect and restore freshwater ecosystems.

You will set direction, work closely with iwi, partners and agencies, and help tackle the biggest pressures facing freshwater. With growing national momentum around wetland protection and restoration – and world leading expertise already in the team – this is a rare and exciting opportunity to help shape the future of wetland and wider freshwater ecosystem conservation in New Zealand.

The role is focused on:

• Setting clear national direction for the conservation of freshwater ecosystems conservation
• Leading a high performing, collaborative team
• Building relationships across the natural resource sector
• Overseeing the translation of science, mātauranga Māori and evidence into practical action
• Influencing partners and decision makers to lift freshwater outcomes
• Scaling up wetland restoration and protection at pace
• Helping to prevent and manage freshwater biosecurity risks

If you want your work to matter, this is the opportunity to grasp it with both hands.

This is a permanent, full-time position with a Wellington location.

Click here for the Role Description

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and experience

We are looking for a leader who brings:

• Proven experience leading and developing people
• Strong strategic and systems thinking
• A collaborative mindset and ability to leverage opportunities with others
• Knowledge of, or a strong interest in, freshwater ecosystem conservation
• Experience developing and delivering strategies or national programmes
• Confidence working across organisations and influencing without authority

You will also bring:

• Understanding of, or commitment to learning, Te Tiriti o Waitangi, tikanga Māori and mātauranga Māori
• Experience, or readiness, to work in genuine partnership with Māori
• A relevant graduate qualification in science (highly desirable)

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | What’s in it for you?

At the heart of our success is our strong DOC culture, built on clear values. Our integrity grounds us, our connections take us further together, we empower ourselves and others to do the best work, so we achieve more for nature and New Zealand.  DOC is committed to working as an honourable Treaty Partner.

DOC places importance on developing a culture where everyone can participate, thrive, and grow.  We’re working towards being an organisation that is diverse, equitable and inclusive by default.  You can learn more about what we offer here.

Tono ināianei | Apply now

Apply online with a CV and cover letter that highlights your relevant skills, experience and motivation for joining Te Papa Atawhai. Your experience may come from mahi on the marae, with your iwi or hapū, through connections, community or volunteer work, or other roles. We value the wide range of skills, strengths and knowledge that people bring, no matter where they were gained.

Please note, due to the high volume of applications, we are unable to accept direct or emailed applications and provide feedback to those not shortlisted.

If you require any accommodations or adjustments throughout the recruitment process, please do let us know.

The salary range for this position is $140,000 to $185,000 with the starting salary of the successful applicant being based on their relevant skills and experience.

Eligibility to work in New Zealand is mandatory – this includes holding a valid work visa that covers the whole period of employment.

Rā katinga | Applications close at 11:59 pm on Wednesday, 22 April 2026

Me he pātai anō | For further enquiries, contact Kristie Knowles at kknowles@doc.govt.nz